What’s the Meaning Behind the Wings?

This past weekend we celebrated my sister Shawna’s birthday.  I absolutely loved her theme and decorations centered somewhat around wings (she had a movie-on-the-lawn watching Maleficent).  She’s so talented and gifted at that (as I’ve written about before).  However, my favorite part of her birthday was that in lieu of gifts this year, she hosted a fundraiser instead.  She joined A21 in the fight against human trafficking.  A21 informs that “Human trafficking is modern day slavery that fuels the growth of organized crime, undermining health, safety, security, and the basic needs of humanity. It is the fastest growing crime in the world.”  Shawna used a wonderful and brilliant analogy about wings that fit right in with her Maleficent theme.  Here was her message:

Hi friends,
I have decided to join A21 in the fight against human trafficking by hosting a small fundraiser for my birthday (in lieu of birthday gifts).
Please note that your gift may have just been a card or kind word (which I love!). And you can still donate that as well! A21 has a “how you can give” page and one of the ways to give is to write letters, make a card, or just send a small craft or something to brighten up the day of those who were rescued! Please check out A21’s page for all the ways you can donate!!
A21 aims to rescue and rebuild lives that have been affected by human trafficking and actively operate with ten offices in nine countries.
THANK YOU for choosing to support me as I work to raise funds that will free victims and restore lives.  If you would like to learn more about the issue of human trafficking globally, please check out the Human Trafficking page on the A21 website.
My theme for my birthday is Maleficent. In that movie her wings were stolen and she could no longer fly and she lost hope. She regained her hope (and her wings) through seeing the kindness, grace, and love in another.
Those who have been trafficked have also had their wings stolen. I ask that you partner with me in showing those in need kindness, grace, and love. Help me give them back their wings!!
~ Shawna

I absolutely loved her wings analogy!  Wings hold special meaning for me too because Continue reading →